Technician - University of Southampton



Last updated:19/12/18JOB DESCRIPTIONPost title:TechnicianSchool/Department/Service:Cancer Sciences / Biomedical Research Facility (BRF) Cancer Sciences DivisionFaculty:MedicineCareer Pathway:Technical and Experimental (TAE)Level:2b*ERE category:n/aPosts responsible to:BRF Operations Manager and Level G BRF Deputy Manager, Cancer Sciences PCU ManagerPosts responsible for:N/APost base:Non Office-based Job purposeTo care for and carry out animal husbandry and breeding of laboratory animals providing technical assistance to academic staff within the animal facility in adherence to the regulatory requirements of the Home Office and Health and Safety regulations.Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities% TimePrimarily responsible for care, husbandry of breeding colonies of genetically modified (GA) and wild type mice housed within conventional and individually ventilated cages (IVC’s) in conventional and specific-pathogen-free (SPF) conditions. This includes selection and paring of animals, timed mating’s, keeping detailed accurate records, issuing animals to researchers, providing tissue samples for genotyping and working closely with academic staff, monitoring experiments and reporting outcomes to research scientists.Responsible for care, husbandry, welfare, inspection and careful monitoring of experimental and stock animals.When required responsibility for the care and husbandry of larger animals such as rabbits and sheep.Ensuring Home Office legislation and health and safety requirements are adhered anisation and coordinating orders of animals to building 85.70 %Providing technical assistance to research staff and students using techniques which require accuracy and technical skill. A Home Office licence is required to carry out these procedures and strict adherence to Personal and Project licence conditions are required. 5 %Accurate record keeping of Home Office and breeding records on paper and computer data base.7 %Day to day monitoring of the use of consumables and ensuring adequate supplies are maintained 3%Training and supervision of inexperienced research staff and students working within the facility5 %Using cage washer, bottle washer and autoclave and preparing cages and equipment for sterilisation.Assisting with the general cleanliness, tidiness and upkeep of the facility and assisting with unloading deliveries10%Any other duties as allocated by the line manager following consultation with the post holder. Internal and external relationshipsLiaise with BRF technicians on 3 sites, Named Veterinary Surgeon, Home office compliance and Liaison Officer, and research staff. Interaction with contractor’s and maintenance personnel. Special RequirementsMust be willing to work out of hours on a rota covering weekends, public holidays and university holidays.Lone working.Must be flexible and willing to rotate work between two facilities on the Southampton General Hospital site.Manual handling.Exposure to animal allergens requiring occupational health surveillance including periodic lung function testing. Exposure to animal allergens can cause occupational asthma and face fitted respiratory protective equipment must be worn as part of daily routine.Working with GM Containment Level 1 and 2 pathogens. Frequent showering into clean rooms.Understand the security and ethical implications connected with animal research.PERSON SPECIFICATIONCriteriaEssentialDesirableHow to be assessedQualifications, knowledge and experienceSkill level equivalent to achievement of NVQ2, GCSE or City and GuildsLevel 3 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science and TechnologyMust be willing to hold a Home Office personal licencePrevious work experience within a technical support roleMust be computer literate and able to use BRF database, standard software packages and e-mailMust be able to keep clear accurate records which must be available for inspectionExperience of operating technical equipment and ability to carry out specialist testing and able to demonstrate a good understanding of technical processes relating to work areaExperience of managing genetically altered mouse coloniesA understanding of genetics physiology and biologyPlanning and organisingCapable of organising own daily work schedule and work without supervisionAssist with general tasks associated with the upkeep of the facilityProblem solving and initiativeTo be aware of potential problems and adapt or refine working practices when considered necessaryManagement and teamworkTo be able to be flexible and work well as part of a team or as an individuallyProvide advice and supervision to new academic users of the facilityAbility to work to the standard required by the Home OfficeFeedback welfare issues to line managers and provide an effective hand over of work areas at weekends and periods of leavePrevious supervisory experienceCommunicating and influencingTo be able to communicate clearly and liaise with academic and technical staff within the department Train and advise research staff in handling techniques Good verbal and written communication skillsOther skills and behavioursAbility to carry out manual handling including moving bulky items up to 12.5Kg and work standing most of the timeSpecial requirementsMust enrol in the Occupational health LAA monitoring scheme which requires periodic heath questionnaire, face fit test and lung function testingIf necessary must be willing to have vaccination against hepatitis BMust understand and accept the need for the use of animals in medical research. Understands the security and ethical implications connected with animal research and acceptance of the special responsibilities ensuing. Must be prepared to wear respiratory protection equipment (RPE) and personal protective equipment (PPE) whilst carrying out most tasks and adhere to health and safety requirementsWillingness to undertake Health and Safety training specific to role.Must be willing able to work weekends bank holidays and University closures on an overtime rota on an overtime rotaUnderstand the ethical implications connected with animal research and accept the use of animals in medical researchMust be flexible and willing to work between units on the same site as required.Full UK Driving LicenceJOB HAZARD ANALYSISIs this an office-based post?? YesIf this post is an office-based job with routine office hazards (eg: use of VDU), no further information needs to be supplied. Do not complete the section below.? NoIf this post is not office-based or has some hazards other than routine office (eg: more than use of VDU) please complete the analysis below.Hiring managers are asked to complete this section as accurately as possible to ensure the safety of the post-holder.## - HR will send a full PEHQ to all applicants for this position. Please note, if full health clearance is required for a role, this will apply to all individuals, including existing members of staff.ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURESOccasionally (<30% of time)Frequently(30-60% of time)Constantly(> 60% of time)Outside work Extremes of temperature (eg: fridge/ furnace)## Potential for exposure to body fluids## Noise (greater than 80 dba - 8 hrs twa)## Exposure to hazardous substances (eg: solvents, liquids, dust, fumes, biohazards). Specify below:Frequent hand washingIonising radiation EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/MACHINES USED## Food handling ## Driving university vehicles(eg: car/van/LGV/PCV) ## Use of latex gloves (prohibited unless specific clinical necessity)## Vibrating tools (eg: strimmers, hammer drill, lawnmowers) PHYSICAL ABILITIESLoad manual handlingRepetitive crouching/kneeling/stoopingRepetitive pulling/pushingRepetitive liftingStanding for prolonged periodsRepetitive climbing (ie: steps, stools, ladders, stairs)Fine motor grips (eg: pipetting)Gross motor gripsRepetitive reaching below shoulder heightRepetitive reaching at shoulder heightRepetitive reaching above shoulder heightPSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUESFace to face contact with publicLone working## Shift work/night work/on call duties ................
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